Celtic Myths (The Legendary Past) - Softcover

Green, Miranda Jane

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0292727542 ISBN 13: 9780292727540

Publisher: University of Texas Press, 1994

Synopsis

Celtic Myths explores the mythology and beliefs of the pagan Celts between about 600 B.C. and A.D. 400. At their peak, the Celtic peoples inhabited a vast area of Europe, Great Britain, and Ireland. As non-literates, they have left no written record of their lives, their beliefs, and the stories which were such an important part of their culture; however, contemporary commentators from the Classical world, later Christian scribes recording oral traditions, and the archaeological evidence can give us fascinating, though fragmented, glimpses. Dr. Green draws on all these sources to discuss the myths and the religious beliefs and ritual which she believes inform them.

The heroic and magical tales of the Book of Invasions, the Fionn stories, the Ulster Cycle, and the Mabinogi are the subject of the first chapters. These stirring stories, though recorded in medieval times by Christian writers, preserve fascinating evidence of their pagan origins. Dr. Green then goes on to look at the evidence for Celtic religious beliefs and raises some interesting questions as to how far we can establish links and recognize common features between the story material and the archaeological record.

About this title

About the Author:

Miranda Green is a lecturer in archaeology and Celtic studies, School of History and Archaeology, University of Wales, College of Cardiff.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Texas Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0292727542
• ISBN 13: 9780292727540
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 80